On board MS BREMEN from Lisbon to Safi

Expedition Azores and Madeira: sunny days in wild nature

Invoke the golden age of maritime exploration and discover Europe’s sun-kissed outpost in the Atlantic: the faraway Azores and the verdant island of Madeira – rich and untamed, bustling and diverse. The combination of these two archipelagos makes for a premiere cruise with the BREMEN that is full of contrasts. Volcanoes and vineyards, cliffs and sandy beaches, Renaissance buildings and whaling stations – whether you are taking part in guided walks, enjoying cultural excursions or exploring under your own steam, this will be an expedition you will never forget.

from Lisbon to Safi

Cruise dates:

from 10.10.2017 to 22.10.2017 (12 days)

Your ship:

MS BREMEN

Cruise number:

BRE1716

12 days cruise only from € 4,000 per person incl. travel packages to / from departure / arrival point from € 4,740 per person

Itinerary

Long live the Azores! The first thing Columbus is said to have done when he reached the Azores after returning from America is say a prayer of thanks. No wonder – this archipelago already looks like a thrilling destination from the deck as you approach it. The mighty forces of nature created a landscape of diverse natural beauty. On a flexible course to explore the islands’ most fascinating features, the BREMEN – first and foremost an expedition ship – is in its element here. For example, the largest island in the Azores, Sao Miguel, is well worth a visit. Enjoy the flair of the port of Ponta Delgada and its mild climate. The sun is still strong enough to warm up the long esplanades, charming parks and idyllic plazas for you. To discover what else this balmy environment has to offer, set off for Furnas’s fumaroles, the tea plantation and the Botanical Gardens* and admire the diverse landscape, which produces tobacco, wine, pineapples and – unique in Europe – tea. The excursion to the crater lakes of Sete Cidades* will take you to the centre of a volcano.

Sat, 14.10.2017 - Mon, 16.10.2017

Central Azores (Sao Jorge , Faial, Pico , Terceira)

Also be fascinated by the untamed landscape from the 300 m (984 ft) high plateau on the island of Sao Jorge. This plateau, dotted with volcanoes, provides a real treat for nature lovers who go on a hike to the Faja dos Vimes*, with stunning views of the cliffs. At their feet, overgrown lowlands jut out into the sea. The “fajas” are used for cultivating tropical fruit, vegetables and even coffee. Typical of the island: don’t miss the fajas and coffee tasting* excursion so that you can experience another side of the Azores. The same applies to the legendary Peter Cafe Sport on Faial – half coffee house, half tavern and a meeting place for sailors from around the world. To allow you to enjoy a relaxed evening and take in the atmosphere of this legendary spot – and the charming old town with its palaces, houses and churches – the BREMEN will remain here overnight. The following day, nature lovers can enjoy the wild, unspoilt beauty of the Azores on a hike around the Faial Caldeira*. One of the most inhospitable islands is Pico: its jet-black rock rises up out of the deep blue Atlantic. With a little luck, you will still be able to see whales here at this time of year. The scenic journey across the crater island of Pico* is dominated by the volcano Ponta do Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain at around 2,350 m (7,709 ft). This region, with over 100 volcanoes, bizarre rock formations and lava fields, is fertile ground for the Verdelho grape, which you will learn about during a walk in the Criacao Velha vineyard*. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Portuguese wine became increasingly important as a commodity for export. When you go ashore at Terceira, you will feel like a seafarer on one of the old transatlantic trade routes. In the picturesque bay, one of the most important supply ports of the Portuguese and Spanish will be revealed to you, with magnificent aristocratic residences and churches, townhouses and cobbled alleyways. On a walking tour of the historical centre of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Angra do Heroismo*, you will notice the rich Renaissance style and understand why people here defended themselves with numerous fortifications against privateers such as Francis Drake. Or go on the Terceira island excursion* to discover the rich and diverse landscape and see what is probably one of the island’s oldest settlements.

Tue, 17.10.2017

Relaxation at sea

Wed, 18.10.2017 - Fri, 20.10.2017

Madeira (Funchal, Ilha Deserta Grande , Porto Santo)

Madeira – pretty as a picture The natural spectacles of the Madeira islands begin as you enter the spectacular port of the main island: Funchal. The BREMEN will remain in this “amphitheatre”, nestled between mountains, overnight to allow you to soak in the atmosphere. After a “tukxi” tour of Funchal*, for example, you will have plenty of free time to enjoy the southern way of life in the town’s narrow streets well into the evening. The Levada hike* takes you through charming landscape as you follow the famous stone irrigation system. The all-terrain vehicle tour on Madeira is no less impressive, taking you past mountain villages, to the “lovers’ pass” and into the rugged hinterland. A premiere destination for the BREMEN is the Ilha Deserta Grande, an uninhabited nature reserve home to rare Mediterranean monk seals. If the local authorities give us the green light, the Zodiacs will bring you ashore and let you experience an island that is otherwise inaccessible to most people. Enjoy Porto Santo too – an insider tip. It is also part of the Madeira archipelago and is just a few nautical miles from the main island, but very different: instead of dark volcanic beaches, it has pale, fine sand. Discover Porto Santo, the “holy island”*, and enjoy its beauty, whether in the turquoise-blue water, on the golden-yellow beach or in idyllic villages. And revel in fantastic views during an Atlantic island hike* around the steep Pico Castelo. There is surely no better way to extend your summer: experience golden October days on the BREMEN.

A change in itinerary may be required on this expedition. The captain will decide on the best possible alternative depending on local conditions. * The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change. = at anchor

PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME A: LISBON AND ROYAL SINTRA

POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME A: MAGIC MARRAKECH

POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME B: MOROCCO'S IMPERIAL CITIES

A regional specialist in a team of experts

Birgit Siegel lives in the Azores. She knows where the region’s hidden gems are and has comprehensive knowledge of everything from the area’s political developments to ornithology. She can also regale you with exciting episodes from the history of whaling.